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(A little) of Kate's Story
Coming into this world in 1957, I spent the first 10 years of my life in 20 Morrin Street, moving to Sighthill until I was about 13/14. I attended Gourlay Street Primary, then Colston Comprehensive.
Our family lived on the top floor in Morrin Street (3 storries up) in a 'room and kitchen'. There were 3 flats on each landing, with the 'middle door' having an outside toilet half way down the stairs. My two best pals in the early days were Elaine Hawthorn who lived in the next close and Margaret Fox, who lived below us. Margaret's father owned the shop Fox's which was situated in Millerbank Street - the other end of the block from Kennedy's. They made the best toffee apples in Springburn! If I remember correctly, they took over another shop in Balornock.
Colvilles shop at the bottom Millerbank Street, close to Cowlairs Road was another haunt of mine, stopping by on a Saturday for my 1d drinks, or if I was flush, maybe even a 2d one! This was particularly welcome since I had spent the morning at the Co-operative Choir practice in Kemp Street.
Kennedy's was also a favourite of mine. He always had loads of interesting goodies you could spend your pocket money on. I remember coveting this wee plastic bird with blue feathers - it came on a stick with a string and when you whizzed it around over your head, it made a whistling sound. It cost a fortune! - 6d. With only 3d pocket money, I hastily chapped several doors in Morrin Street, to see if anyone needed any 'messages' from the Co. Half an hour later, thanks to the fruits of my labour, I was coming out of Kennedy's with my treasured wee bird.
I also remember a man who used to stand at the corner of Kennedy's shop and greet everyone passing. I don't think he was quite 'right'. He always waved and shouted over to my mum 'Ur ye aw right the day, Merry'. (Her name was Muriel, and he couldn't pronounce it). I'm sure his first name was George, his surname may have been Gray.
As with most of the families from Springburn, our lives revolved around going to church, the library, the shops, the swings, the park, the cinema and our homes - the tenements.
It was not uncommon for the minister to pay an impromptu visit to some of his parishioners from time to time. On one such occasion, my mum and dad had a couple of friends over and my dad (as was the custom) got out the whisky. Another pass time in our house was playing cards - usually Rummy or Newmarket, so out came the cards as well. To make winning more interesting (and profitable), they always played for ha'pennies or pennies. During the course of the evening, there was a knock at the door. My mum went to answer it and on seeing the minister there, she said in a loud voice, 'Oh come in Mr Telfer'. My dad, on hearing this, groaned 'Aw my Goad! Its the minister! An we're aw sittin here drinkin an gamblin!'. Quick as a flash, the whisky was back in the 'press', the glasses were in the sink, covered with a tray and the cards and coins were hastily shoved under the couch in the nick of time! A narrow escape.
The only other time I have known my dad to move so quickly was when he and my mum were caught up in the Kay Street shooting. They ended up crouched behind a lorry at the bottom of Balgrayhill Road until the police told them it was safe to move.
These cherished memories from those times are so dear to us all on this site. The savage butchery and neglect which Springburn suffered at the hands of the planners from Glasgow City Council, is nothing short of criminal, and something which has left a rancid taste in the mouths of its sons and daughters.
KC 22.05.08
Latest page update: made by Gardengate
, May 22 2008, 7:44 AM EDT
(about this update
About This Update
Just a few of my many Springburn memories....
- Gardengate
673 words added
view changes
- complete history)
Just a few of my many Springburn memories....
- Gardengate
673 words added
view changes
- complete history)
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